It had been three days since Lu Jinghao's iconic conference, and the world had finally stopped screaming my name. The hashtags and the headlines speculating gossip about The Jiang Rui who seduced The Lu heir were settling down just fine.
Today, the rain outside the studio wasn't gentle, instead, it struck the glass like an impatient drummer. At least the rhythm it brought helped me keep up with the thoughts that were about to drown me.
Despite the fact that the rumours were dying, I knew that deep down, there were people who weren't ready to give up. And that was dangerous, if you ask me.
People who always lay low always have something they were planning. Unfortunately for them, I knew who was planning.
'You have some incoming guests host. Both Jiang Ning and Nie Huilin. I can estimate that their pettiness level is at 100%.'
"How wonderful," I muttered, quietly adjusting my turtleneck as I turned my attention back to my sketchbook.
"And here I was, thinking that my day was going to be peaceful."
My studio smelled faintly of old ink and cedar. I had my music on low volume, something instrumental enough to make the fabrics sigh along with me.
I was busy designing a centerpiece gown for the summit, and I wanted this to elevate my brand notches higher. Although Lu Jinghao hadn't said a thing, I knew the summit mattered a lot to him too, as it was the Lu Group's international re entry.
Hehe...that is no pressure, right?
'Correction host. Immense pressure. And just to let you know, your caffeine intake is unsafe.'
I ignored Nova, even though I knew he was right. My hands have been trembling lately from all the caffeine i had consumed, alongside the little sleep I got. But again, this exhaustion wasn't anything new to me. It was just another period I could handle just fine.
The crimson fabric filled my entire worktable, shimmering faintly. It responded to my touch just as all my fabrics have been. Whenever my emotions spiked, it subtly glowed.
This time round though, it was alive. Too alive. Every time I sketched a line,the threads trembled, responding to my touch. I could feel it. I could feel my thoughts overlapping with memories of my mother's voice, humming as she worked.
'If you don't stop for a short break, you are going to burn out host.'
"Okay. But don't you think this gown is beautiful?" I whispered, carefully running my hands down the fabric.
Even without Nova's answer I knew the truth was undeniable. The gown was beautiful. The way it seemed to breathe, how its folds bloomed like rose petals, how the color seemed to shift between scarlet and wine, it was truly a beauty.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and an unpleasant scent wafted towards me.
"Oh. I see you are still alive." A familiar, unbearably sweet voice filled the room. Nie Huilin.
She stood in the doorway, draped in a ridiculous designer coat that screamed wealth and poor fashion choices. She had soft nude lipstick on her, as he face was scrunched up in forced politeness.
Behind her, Jiang Ning lingered, slightly hesitant. Good. It seems like being hospitalized did something on my behalf.
"Nie Huilin. Jiang Ning." I spoke flatly, not even bothering to show my dissatisfaction.
"Long time no see, sister." Jiang Ning tried smirking, but it came out as a weak, forced smirk.
I didn't bother responding, because some people truly didn't deserve my energy or my acknowledgment. That is how worthless they were before my eyes.
Nie Huilin stepped forward, her 12 cm heels wobbly and sharp against my beautiful floor. Did she and her circle have something for unstable shoes? Tragic!
"Whether you welcome us or not, we came to talk business. You see...the summit's committee had some...doubts about your 'talent.'" She spoke smoothly, he voice carrying a hint of righteousness, one that made her believe she was above everything and everyone.
"Doubts? You for sure know that word doesn't exist alongside my work. My last collection fractured a famous guild's influence, and exposed both global and local scandals. But I get you, I suppose originality could be a big concern." I raised my brow, my voice carrying finality and over the moon righteousness.
Nie Huilin's jaw tightened in displeasure. " Don't you dare get too arrogant. There are whispers spreading that you are using forbidden and illegal technology."
'Host that thing just insulted you and I. Allow me to retaliate.'
" Not now." I replied internally, while my outward expression was calm. Way too calm for someone who just got insulted.
"I see. And...who do you think started those whispers?"
Jiang Ning smiled for a moment, before taking a step towards me. Looks like she got her injection of chicken blood for the day.
"Oh! Please now sister. Jiang Rui... you ...you have always been a dramatic one. This time round, I just want to warn you. The rumours going around have it that the judges don't react kindly to stolen technology."
" Rumors...hmm..you seem convinced that it is so." I echoed, my voice carrying a hint of amusement.
Nie Huilin adjusted her purse strap, her righteous expression finding its way back to her face. "You should be thankful someone is checking up on you. We only came because we were... concerned. You have been under immense pressure lately, haven't you?"
Hmph. There it was. That fake sympathy. The one I absolutely hate.
My lips curved faintly at her. " So, are you... concerned for me?"
"Of course Miss Jiang, I am not trying to be a bad person..." She titled her head, wearing a strange smile on her face.
"I believe you should focus on getting enough rest, rather than overworking yourself for Lu Jinghao. The man doesn't even care about you. I believe he forgets your name sometimes. That is bad for your image... darling."
That last word...that darling...it came out laced with mockery sharp enough to cut through fabric.
'Host, I will make sure her breath is stinking for the next two weeks. Since she loves speaking such vile words, a clean mouth won't do. Let her breath match her stinking words.'
I didn't say anything in response, a tactical agreement between us, that I approved of his incoming actions. In fact, he was right. Stinking and vile words, should have a stinking mouth to match with. I wonder how she will react to my present.
'I will activate it after she leaves. I want her to feel like she has just tasted victory.'
"I truly appreciate your concern. From the depth of my heart..." I interrupted her smoothly, not intending to give her the floor to utter nonsense anymore. "But miss Nie, unless you are here to apologize or heavily invest, then this isn't your space."
Nie Huilin's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Me? Apologize? For what?"
"For making people struggle to accommodate your unbearable presence. It really is hard you know."
Jiang Ning's smirk died down first, as she clenched and unclenched her first severally. She knew she was next. Good. The next time she decides to be a lapdog, she should check on whether the owner was worth it or not.
"Now, if you two will excuse me, I have real work to do, unlike certain people." I continued, turning my attention back to my wonderful sketches.
The air in the studio thickened with tension, as the silence made me hear the faint tremor of annoyance in Nie Huilin's breath. Little Miss heiresses wasn't used to being dismissed. Most especially not in front of others.
She stepped closer, trying to intimidate me. "You seem to be so sure of yourself, don't you? Perhaps you should check on your shipment...the one for tomorrow, before acting all bossy. It would be a real shame if something goes wrong with the legendary phantom before the summit."
That made me pause, as I turned slowly, meeting her triumphant gaze. "What did you do?" My voice was calm and controlled, but my heart was a mess.
Nie Huilin smirked happily, showing off all teeth. "Let's just say...there is nothing you can prove."
With that, she turned around and left, her laughter filling the whole room. Jiang Ning followed, her perfume leaving behind traces of arrogance and haughtiness.
'Host, there is a security alert. A sabotage attempt had been detected in storage 4.'
My pulse spiked but I forced myself to remain calm. "I want to see it. Show me."
Immediately, a holographic map appeared projected from the air. My storage room's cameras were constantly flickering, as a shadowy figure moved across the boxes, slicing one with a blade. Oh my goodness! Those were my gowns, my prototypes for the summit.
'I knew it was an idiot. That is Nie Huilin's assistant. Should I call your CEO lover for you?'
"Not at all. We will handle this all by ourselves." I replied sharply.
I grabbed my coat as I headed towards the storage room. The corridor was not that lit, as my shoes echoed faintly against the marble floor. The moment I got to the room, the door was slightly open.
Inside was nothing but chaos. The boxes were overturned, as rolls of fabric scattered like fallen soldiers. My particular reason for being here, my crimson masterpiece, was slashed across the bodice. It wasn't a catastrophic damage, but it was clearly deliberate.
My chest burned with fury as I ran my fingers over the torn seam. But... something felt off. Very off. The cut wasn't random at all, but it was inscribed with small, almost invisible marks shaped like a rune.
Damn it! Black magic. Again...
'Uh oh...this pattern has a match of 90%, similar to Wei Han's failed curse. It seems like someone is recycling idiocy.'
I exhaled sharply at Nova's confirmation. "Nie Huilin really doesn't know who and what she is playing with."
'Well host, she knows just enough to stay dangerous.'
Before I could respond, a low, familiar voice came from behind me. "Jiang Rui?"
I immediately turned, and Lu Jinghao stood at the doorway, rain glistering on his shoulders. His calm expression immediately hardened the moment he saw the mess in the room.
"What happened here?"
I hesitated but told him the truth anyway. "Someone tried to ruin my designs."
He knelt beside me, carefully examining the torn fabric. As his fingers brushed close to mine, I could feel them shake slightly.
"This isn't vandalism at all. This is ritualistic. My grandfather used to study such."
I looked at him, clearly startled. "Your grandfather?"
He nodded faintly. "He believed that some patterns could hold intention and this one...this one feels like pure hate."
My throat tightened at his words. "She really doesn't know what she is playing with, and how hot it can scald."
"I will make sure she knows what she just messed with. Leave that to me." His jaw flexed as he pulled out his phone to call his security team.
"Jinghao...you don't have to..." He turned to me, his voice low but firm and smooth. "Yes, I do Rui."
'Aww host. His protection instincts are completely up! Now that's a man deserving of you!'
I almost smiled at Nova's words but held myself back.
A few hours later, the Lu security released the footage to the authorities, and to the hungry press. Nie Huilin's assistant was caught red handed, as she was trying to plant suspicious fabric under my studio.
The story immediately exploded.
"Sabotage scandal! Heiress Nie Huilin linked to an attack on AUREA ATELIAR!"
"Jiang Ning's friendly visit under suspicion!"
The internet devoured them within hours, as the Lu group released an official statement, not only clearing my name, but also declaring full trust in my work.
Nie Huilin's family issued a haste apology, as Jiang Ning vanished from social media... again.
What lingered wasn't the chaos, but the quiet after.
The moment I returned to the studio, I found the repaired crimson gown on a mannequin. It shimmered faintly, calling me closer. I knew I hadn't fixed it yet, but somehow, its rip had closed itself, the threads glowing a faint gold where the tear had happened.
'Affection is what fixed it host.'
"Affection?" I whispered, as I traced the seam.
'You both went all out for it. Lu Jinghao didn't waste a second before acting on your behalf. That affection is what fixed it.'
I smiled faintly. Maybe Nova was right. Something about Jinghao and all this was changing me. Warmth bloomed beneath my ribs the more I thought about it.
I looked up at the gown for a long time before coming up with a name for it. "You are now Crimson Reverie, and you, are ready for the world."
'So are you Phantom.'